functioning ecosystems

A functioning ecosystem is a community of living things—like plants, animals, and microorganisms—that interact with each other and their environment. These interactions enable processes such as nutrient cycling, energy flow, and waste decomposition, maintaining balance and supporting life. For example, plants produce oxygen and food, animals help pollinate plants and disperse seeds, and microorganisms break down waste, recycling nutrients. Together, these processes sustain the health of the environment, ensuring that the ecosystem can support diverse life forms and adapt to changes, maintaining stability and resilience over time.